The family of former inmate Brandon Clay Dotson is suing the Alabama state prison system, alleging negligence, as his body was returned without a heart.
According to the lawsuit, Dotson sought help from prison officials, expressing concerns about threats from other inmates over unpaid drug debts, before being found dead in his cell at Ventress Correctional Facility.
The family received Dotson’s body on Nov. 21, reportedly in a severely decomposed state.
“At this point the body had not been properly stored and was severely decomposed. Despite the family’s initial wishes, they had no choice but to hold a closed casket funeral service,” the lawsuit read.
The lawsuit also stated that the family “suspected foul play, in part because of the Alabama Department of Corrections’ extensive and ongoing violations of basic human and constitutional rights.”
According to the family, they hired Dr. Boris Datnow for a second autopsy, revealing that Dotson’s body was missing a heart.
“The Alabama Department of Corrections – or an agent responsible for conducting the autopsy or transporting the body to his family – had, inexplicably and without the required permission from Mr. Dotson’s next of kin, removed and retained Mr. Dotson’s heart,” the lawsuit adds.
Alongside the missing heart, Dotson’s family alleges the prison failed to protect him, citing negligence.
“No member in the correctional staff was available to prevent the abuse Mr. Dotson endured and the constant and unlimited access to drugs that he had, or to rescue Mr. Dotson timely to save his life, or if they were available, they ignored the warning signs and direct pleas for help when they had every opportunity to intervene and prevent the death of Mr. Dotson,” the lawsuit concludes.
The lawsuit is set for trial next fall.
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